Columbia Public Library proceeds with LGBTQ+ story time event after threats from State Secretary

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Daniel Boone Regional Library hosted "Rainbow Story Time" on Saturday after receiving threats of potential funding loss from Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins.

The event happened in the Children's Program Room, and Mitzi St. John with the library said there were an estimated 150 attendees. The Program Room itself was full, and attendees were standing outside the room to participate.

Outside of the library, participants had chalk inviting people to draw encouraging messages on the pavement.

During the event, two speakers read through Rainbowasaurus, Big Wig, as well as sing-along songs like Old MacDonald and a rendition of Chappell Roan's 'Pink Pony Club.' The event ended with attendees getting rainbow scarves and bubbles as they left.

This happens shortly after Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and Hoskins sent a letter to the to library.

Hanaway stated in her letter that local residents contacted her office to ensure this event is "conducted in a manner consistent with Missouri law."

Hoskins' letter to the library stated, "Please be advised if this inappropriate endeavor for children takes place, I will do everything in my power to block every dollar of state and federal funding I can from future events at the Daniel Boone Library System.”

There were 3 protesters at the event holding signs that stated "Nothing but a sex fetish cult," and "TQ+ = pedophilia."

ABC 17 spoke with one protester who, for privacy reasons, gave only their first name.

This protester said the community itself (referring to the LGBTQ+) is pushing a narrative towards children.

He stated, "They're pushing a narrative on the children, thinking they can, be, change their sex and everything; that's child abuse."

Brandon Steele, a first-time attendee at the library's story time event, said he came to support his community.

"Seeing the letter from the attorney general was a little upsetting. So I just wanted to make sure that there were people here spreading positive energy," Steele said.

Steele said he was disappointed by the "intimidating letter" that was sent by state officials to the library.

"I don't know why anyone would actually think that this library was going to show sexually explicit material to children. I just can't fathom where that claim actually comes from," Steele said. "For them to spend time and resources to send an intimidating letter to a public resource that exists only to serve the community, it's and it's upsetting.

Steele said he saw the social media traction the event was getting and wanted to be a calm figure amongst the chaos.

"I came here expecting there to be like a big crowd of people maybe causing problems," Steele said. "And it was completely unnecessary. There was like one guy."

Hoskins' and Hananway's office was contacted for a statement about their next steps since the event did take place, but no response has been made.